Why Many Gen Z Workers Resist Returning to the Office: The Streaming Factor

The shift to remote work during the pandemic transformed daily routines, especially for Generation Z. For many young professionals, working from home opened the door to rethinking their typical work experience. As companies encourage a return to physical workplaces, numerous Gen Z employees are pushing back—not due to objections to the work—but because they fear losing the chance to watch their favorite shows while on the clock.

A recent survey by Tubi, a streaming platform under Fox Corporation, reveals that 84% of Gen Z viewers reported streaming TV or movies during work hours at home. The March 18 study drew responses from 2,502 U.S. adults who watch streaming content for more than an hour weekly. More than half of the Gen Z group confessed to postponing tasks so they could keep up with engaging shows.

Redefining Multitasking for a New Generation

These findings highlight a generational transformation in how younger workers interweave breaks and concentration. “This is beyond mere background noise,” explained Cynthia Clevenger, Tubi’s senior VP of B2B marketing. “Streaming is integral to how they recharge, maintain stimulation, and even focus throughout their day.”

Add Cosmo Herald as a Preferred Source

For many, streaming acts less like a distraction and more like a psychological support mechanism amid isolation in remote work settings. Without regular casual social contact, background entertainment replaces the social interactions once provided by spontaneous office encounters.

Rising Employer Wariness

Despite benefits perceived by employees, many employers remain skeptical. Anxiety over efficiency and oversight continues, especially as hybrid models settle in. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has taken a hard stance, enforcing full in-office attendance, stating remote work impedes the development of younger staff.

Backing these concerns, a 2024 study by Workhuman, specializing in employee engagement tools, found over 30% of Gen Z and millennial workers admit to "faking activity" at work—termed “fauxductivity.” This research included 3,000 full-time employees across the U.S., U.K., and Ireland.

Examining Behavior Beyond Laziness

Human resource experts warn against labeling such habits as mere indiscipline. “That overlooks the many pressures facing today's workforce,” noted Meisha-ann Martin, senior director of people analytics at Workhuman. She pointed to burnout, stress, and low engagement as underlying contributors.

Similarly, Simran Bhatia of Reality Defender, creators of deepfake detection software, likened streaming during work to "body doubling"—a focus-enhancing technique. Bhatia encouraged organizations to foster trust and rethink workflow designs to better accommodate younger workers' styles.

Choosing Control Over Mere Entertainment

Data from Tubi also revealed over half of Gen Z respondents are reluctant to return to offices because it would limit their pastime streaming. However, some HR leaders view this resistance less about shows and more about retaining autonomy.

“While Gen Z’s streaming at work is undeniable, it doesn’t necessarily harm productivity,” said Patrice Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad, a career consulting agency. She promotes reevaluating traditional views on focus and output in today’s workforce.

Nearly 50% of Gen Z employees surveyed by Tubi confessed to deceiving managers about streaming during work hours. Whether this reflects a broader cultural disconnect or a call for clearer guidelines, both employers and workers are still working to blend digital habits with conventional work structures.